The Tennessee Titans (1-5) leaned on an outstanding defense and opportunistic special-teams plays to earn their first win of 2026 against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.
This week, they return to Nashville to take on the Cleveland Browns at Nissan Stadium. The Browns come off a huge win over the Baltimore Ravens and carry momentum into what should be an entertaining matchup.
Tennessee will look to stack wins for the first time since 2025 and should be motivated to win one for their home crowd. It won’t be easy, but it's possible.
Week 7 is just four days away, so let's take a look at the Titans' pulse around the NFL.
Why is the offense invisible in the first half?
The Titans’ offense was abysmal in the first half against the Colts and barely showed up. Once again, the first half was predictable, run-heavy, and unproductive. Overall, they ran only 20 total plays in the first half: 13 runs for 27 yards, with 15 yards on the first drive, and seven passes. If Tennessee wants to succeed, it needs to be more balanced and make plays.
#Titans offense is again nonexistent through the first half of this game
— Jim Heupel (@JimHeupelTN) October 18, 2026
Look, let’s be real: Cam had straight up not been good. But also, his opportunities are few and poor in quality. There’s no running threat to open the passing game, and yet Daboll commits to running 2/3 times for every pass. The whole system is screwed. #Titans
— the last of the titans fans (@dimmustastyfeet) October 18, 2026
Saleh says the Titans have been a bit hit or miss offensively in the first half. And yes things they need to do better obviously. He sees more explosive plays as being a key.
— Teresa Walker 👑 (@TeresaMWalker) October 19, 2026
Daboll is a bigger issue than Cam. #TitanUppic.twitter.com/yq2DLS7Exa
— Ǥħøsŧ ŦɨŧȺn ⋆☠︎︎✮☠︎︎⋆ (@xGhostTitanx) October 19, 2026
Was that really Dan Moore?
Moore played one of the best games of his career against the Colts and looked nothing like the player raked over the coals for his virally bad performance against the Houston Texans. Moore gave up no sacks or pressure and kept Cam Ward’s blindside clean all afternoon.
Dan Moore continues to be a steady presence at LT. You can go hate him bc he's overpaid for what he is (he can't block top EDGE talent), but the Titans had gone years without a solid LT and he provides that.
— That Dude Marlon (@marlonmaloney) October 19, 2026
Dan Moore https://t.co/VJzmFt29UTpic.twitter.com/umWldMnDIw
— Chomp (@KingofChomp) October 20, 2026
#Titans Offense Pass Blocking Per @PFF
— Titan Report Podcast (@Titan_Reports) October 19, 2026
Dan Moore Jr: 86.3 / 0 Pressures / 0 Sacks
Peter Skoronski: 77.4 / 1 / 0
Austin Schlottmann: 73.5 / 1 / 0
Atonio Mafi: 56.1 / 2 / 0
JC Latham: 76.3 / 0 / 0
Dominate day from O-Line💪😤 pic.twitter.com/UAgQm7wjWC
It was a win, but Cam is still on the hot seat?
Ward did help Tennessee come back in the second half and threw a game-tying touchdown pass to Carnell Tate in the fourth quarter, but it wasn’t smooth sailing. Ward went 11-of-22 for 102 yards, one touchdown, and one interception against the Colts, but the stats don’t tell the whole story.
Ward dropped multiple passes, including one from Elic Ayomanor that could easily have been a touchdown, and his stats don’t mention the massive 36-yard pass interference penalty that wiped out a huge connection with Tate.
Yes, Ward needs to be better, but so does the supporting cast and the play calling.
"I don't think they care about his feelings, I think that he's probably the best chance to win."
— The Plaster Show (@ThePlasterShow) October 19, 2026
-- Kelly Holcomb's thoughts on Cam Ward continuing to be QB1 for the #Titans'
Do you think Cam Ward should be QB1?
https://t.co/RqcgfKNZeH
The #Titans finally got their first win yesterday, but there wasn’t much improvement from Cam Ward. 👀
— The Sick Podcast - Talking Titans (@SickPodTitans) October 19, 2026
What did you think of his performance, and what grade would you give him in the win?
(grade via, @BleacherReport)#titanup#thesickpodast@salmanfredi@J13Footepic.twitter.com/EZr346a2JV
A WIN IS A WIN, and beating the Colts makes it even sweeter!
— ⚔️NJ TITANS FAN⚔️ (@J13Foote) October 19, 2026
But let’s not let the victory hide the obvious…
🚨 This offense is STILL a major concern. Cam Ward continues to struggle, and the lack of offensive production is something the Titans desperately need to address… pic.twitter.com/6Hj1ekLhPb
Jeffery Simmons is the heart of the Titans
Simmons not only dominated on the field with another outstanding effort, leading the charge with six total tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery, but he completely took over the locker room at halftime to help spark the comeback. His leadership on and off the field is helping transform the organization, and he is leaving his imprint as one of the league's best defensive tackles.
Jeffery Simmons turned the tide to spark the Titans first win of the season@AustinStanley81 reacts to Big Jeff's performance against the Colts pic.twitter.com/y4ZAJjmwUu
— AtoZ Sports Nashville (@AtoZSports) October 19, 2026
Robert Saleh on Anthony Hill Jr's TFL in the 2nd half sparking the #Titans and Jeffery Simmons inspiring halftime actions. He called Simmons the best DT in football. pic.twitter.com/xj7sfiqO1H
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) October 18, 2026
Robert Saleh needs to come out say that it is his mission to get him to the Hall of Fame. Simmons could make it, DT is a position where you don’t have to have a ring to make it and he is starting to build a strong resume for Canton. #Titanshttps://t.co/040QFu9c9M
— Will Lomas (@jlomas72) October 19, 2026
I don’t wanna hear another Titans fan suggest we should trade Simmons.
— Taylor S Hurst (@TitansMan97) October 18, 2026
He committed to this rebuild and wants to be a Titan-for-life. He’s never once complained about the state of the franchise other than to say he wants to help right the ship.
We need his leadership! https://t.co/cyGu699AlJ
Why was Alontae Taylor inactive?
Last week in the Pulse, Titans Wire covered Alontae Taylor's struggles and his contract status. On Sunday, head coach Robert Saleh made Taylor inactive and replaced him at starting tackle with Joshua Williams, who had a solid day. So far, Saleh hasn't opened up on the decision, but it’s something to monitor when the Titans return to work.
#Titans CB Alontae Taylor, who they signed to a 3-year, $60M contract in the offseason, is a healthy inactive today vs. the #Colts.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 18, 2026
The Alontae Taylor benching seems to have worked on the defense stepping up this week.
— Mohammed ☀️ (@mhesen09) October 18, 2026
We can only imagine what it might do for the offense 👀#Titans#TitanUphttps://t.co/CfrGH01wIB
Asked if Taylor being scratched was performative or disciplinary, Saleh says it was his decision. #Titans
— Teresa Walker 👑 (@TeresaMWalker) October 19, 2026
So, that’s what “Victory Monday” feels like
The Titans’ first win of 2026 was met with celebration throughout the fanbase, who could celebrate a “Victory Monday” for the first time since 2025. The excitement was evident on social media.
Winless no more: The Tennessee #Titans get their first win in a 26-20 victory over the Indianapolis #Colts. pic.twitter.com/hqf4Jt4PlO
— Joe (@flaccodicaprio) October 18, 2026
So this is what Victory Monday feels like? #titans#titanup
— TitanFanB (@TitanfanB) October 19, 2026
@Titans VICTORY MONDAY 🏈💪
— chilly pepper (@Skullspliter1) October 19, 2026
One win. That’s all it is. We haven’t accomplished anything yet, and there’s a long road ahead. But every journey starts somewhere, and the road to 12-5 starts with the first W.
Enjoy this one today.
12-5. One game at a time. LFG! #TitanUp#Titanspic.twitter.com/rrxgRHbepk
Titans fans.. It’s victory Monday so you what that means… Titans fans get a FREE donut from @kroger Join me as I take you on this monumental journey. It’s been way too long! Head on over and tell them TI sent ya. #TitanUp#Titans#Nashville#Donuts#Winningpic.twitter.com/N8v7diRvYg
— Titans Idiot Nation (@TitansIdiot) October 19, 2026
This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Tennessee Titans pulse: What are analysts and fans talking about in Week 7?